Transcript of "Combined Resources"

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SNAP in Farmers Markets: State Policies and Supportive ProgramsStatewide Programs Supporting SNAP in Farmers MarketsIowa – In 2004, the Iowa Food Policy Council, commissioned by then Governor Tom Vilsack, urged theDepartment of Human Services (DHS) to explore how to expand the Food Assistance Program in farmersmarkets. In 2005, Iowa DHS funded the leased or rented machine fees, SNAP transaction fees and SNAPrelated monthly fees for farmers in part by a regular 50/50 match on SNAP administration.New York – Food stamp EBT programs began in 2002 by providing wireless card machines to farmers.Sales were relatively flat due to several variables such as lack of transmission infrastructure causingdropped signals and minimal marketing to SNAP shoppers. In 2005, the state moved towards a centralterminal system and a coordinated marketing program between state agencies, farmers marketassociation and community partners. Starting in 2007, sales gained momentum starting at $150,000 andgrowing to $1.5 million by 2010.Michigan- Partnering with C.S. Mott Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, and the Fair Food Network,Michigan farmers markets are switching to a wireless electronic payment system for both the Bridge Card(SNAP) and a double bucks reward card. The match is dollar for dollar up to $20 per day.Massachusetts- Grants totaling $50,000 were made possible by a partnership between the Department ofAgricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), are for the purchaseor rental of wireless point-of-sale terminals to process SNAP benefits through the Electronic BenefitsTransfer (EBT) system. Grants also fund transaction fees, outreach programs for SNAP participants,promotional flyers and posters, and incentives to encourage SNAP participants to use their benefits atMassachusetts farmers markets.Pennsylvania- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is making 145 wireless electronic benefittransfer (EBT) machines available for Pennsylvania farmers markets and farm stands accepting SNAPbenefits. This program does not pay for any related monthly fees.Georgia -The Georgia Department of Human Services is participating with Wholesome Wave of Georgiain their “Nourishing Neighborhoods” campaign to offer additional fresh fruits and vegetables to SNAPclients shopping in farmers markets. The goal of the campaign is to provide locally grown, healthy,sustainable foods to low income families by offering Double Value matching dollars.Minnesota - A state Specialty Crop grant is helping the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association provideSNAP in eight new farmers markets, bringing the total to 13 markets in all. (Star Tribune, April 30, 2011) Strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.

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Wisconsin - Three Wisconsin farmers markets will be part of a two-year study measuring SNAP/FoodStamp recipient access to healthy food. The University of Wisconsin Extension Service/USDA study willprovide these markets with the equipment and materials needed to accept SNAP/Food Stamps, known asFoodShare in the state. (Journal Sentinel, April 26, 2011)Legislation Supporting SNAP in Farmers Markets Washington - SB 6483 - In 2008, the Washington State legislature passed the “Local Farms Healthy KidsAct.” This set of new food system policies was advanced by a broad coalition representingenvironmentalists, public health and school advocates, and sustainable agriculture folks. The legislationincluded benefits for farmers markets, food banks, farm to school and school gardens. One piece of thelegislation provided $50,000 for the purchase of wireless technology to allow farmers market to acceptboth food stamps, debit and credit cards. This Farmer Market Technology Program spawned two moregrant project with Specialty Crop grants and a three year WSU Extension research grant.Illinois - HB 4756 - Under the directives of the act, the Illinois Department of Human Services andDepartment of Agriculture will implement a program “to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetablesand other LINK eligible food products, including quality meat and dairy, for all Illinois residents byallowing LINK program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at farmers markets. As part of thisprogram, a Farmers Market Technology Improvement Fund will fund: 1) The purchase or rental ofwireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed under the LINK program,2) Monthly or transaction fees associated with LINK card transactions. No fees related to credit or debittransactions will be reimbursed, 3) Outreach to LINK program participants.California -AB 537 - Legislation would require farmers markets “that do not have an EBT system in placeby January 1, 2012, to designate or assign an interested Food Nutrition Service (FNS)-authorizedorganization to operate an EBT acceptance system in the market, as specified. The bill would require theState Department of Social Services to consider and solicit input from the market prior to making adesignation or assignment authorized under the bill, to avoid potential conflicts, as specified.” (CaliforniaGeneral Assembly, 2010).ResourcesUSDA Strategic Plan –http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/sp2010.pdfFarmers Market SNAP Sales Soar in 2010 -http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/snap-sales-soar-2010FMC Explores Implications of IRS Electronic Payment Reporting Requirementhttp://farmersmarketcoalition.org/6050w-reporting-delayReal Food Real Choice: Connecting SNAP Recipients with Farmers Marketshttp://farmersmarketcoalition.org/real-food-real-choiceFNS Funds Research to Better Understand Farmers Marketshttp://farmersmarketcoalition.org/fns-funds-researchLetter to Congress RE: $4 millionhttp://farmersmarketcoalition.org/joinus/policy Strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.